Think scones are dry and boring? These sweet and tart Grapefruit Honey Yogurt Scones will prove that theory wrong! Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack with a cup of tea.
(This recipe for Grapefruit Honey Yogurt Scones was originally published in March 2011, but was updated with new photos in 2019).
If forced to pick a favorite fruit, I'd have to say it's a toss up between blueberries and grapefruit. Although these days I might have to add mangos to that list, too. But the thing is, I've been a grapefruit lover forever. Even as a kid when my peers would cringe over the tartness of the fruit, I could drink down a glass of 100% grapefruit juice. I absolutely loved it! Even today, you'll never see me ordering a glass of orange juice out at brunch. If I drink juice, it's either grapefruit or tomato... Or more likely, a bloody mary. Let's be serious here.
Recently, I've been on a major grapefruit kick and just can't get enough. So, when I saw these grapefruit honey yogurt scones on Joy the Baker, I literally swooned (wait, can you literally swoon?? I'm not really sure. But if you can, I did). While I generally bookmark recipes for months before actually making them, I couldn't wait for these and made these grapefruit scones almost immediately. You should, too, because these would be absolutely perfect for a Sunday brunch (with a grapefruit mimosa!).
GRAPEFRUIT HONEY YOGURT SCONES RECIPE
I have a special place in my heart for scones and have made quite a few fun ones on this blog (Cadbury Mini Egg Scones, anyone??), but grapefruit scones are probably among my favorites as they're the perfect combination of sweet and tart with a seriously pretty look.
If you've never made scones, it's most definitely worth a try. They're actually quite easy to do and don't require a lot of finagling with the dough like some baked goods do.
You'll make a typical flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt mixture. And add in some of this delicious grapefruit zest granulated sugar (reserving 2 Tbsp to top scones with). Then you'll work in your butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Then stir in the pink grapefruit segments, honey, yogurt, and milk.
Then it's time to actually form those grapefruit scones! Place your scone dough on a lightly-floured surface and form a round that's about ¾" thick. And cut dough into 8 triangles. I like to use my bench scraper to do this, but you can also use a knife. However, if you don't have a bench scraper and do a lot of baking, I highly recommend one (here's an affiliate link to the one I love best). Not only is it great for tasks like this, but it helps you clean up messy floury countertops so easily!
Place the scones onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. And lightly brush the tops of them with milk and sprinkle generously with the leftover sugar zest.
Bake grapefruit scones at 400 degrees for about 16 minutes, until they're turning golden on top. You want them to still be soft in the center. Mmmm the best scones are nice and crispy on the outside and super soft and moist in the center.
You should let the scones cool on the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. But still, serve them warm because they're amazing when warm.
I feel like there's some kind of weird misconception about scones and lots of people think that they're always dry and hard as rocks. And that's one giant reason why you should be making these grapefruit scones immediately. You'll quickly see how delicious scones are.
I think lots of people also equate scones with grandmothers or super boring tea times. Basically, they have a reputation as a snooze-fest. But can't you just look at these grapefruit scones and see how fun they are?? Look at that beautiful pink grapefruit peeking out!
The grapefruit flavor added a nice little zing, but wasn't overpowering or too tart at all. I didn't find the scones to be too sweet, but the the sugary zest on top gave them a little sweet crunch that I quite enjoyed.
And I'm not going to lie, I definitely ate a scone with a half of a grapefruit on the side. I really can't get enough. But now I'm also thinking adding blueberries in would be awesome (and pretty!) and a mango scone probably needs to happen soon, too.
My favorite way to enjoy fruity scones is with tea (over coffee) because it just feels so light and refreshing. I'm a tea fiend and Chris and I literally stockpile it so we always have a fabulous selection. A few of my current tea obsessions are (all affiliate links) Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride by Celestial Seasonings (it's technically a "holiday" tea, but I think it can be enjoyed any time), Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice (only the BEST tea in the world. If you enjoy a spicy cinnamon flavor, you will LOVE this), and Bigelow's Constant Comment (my old standby, it reminds me of my childhood and I love that it comes in green now!).
And with that I say HAPPY WEEKEND!! I'm going to my parents' house tomorrow to celebrate a late St. Patrick's Day (corned beef, cabbage, Guinness cupcakes!). And then crossing lots of things off the to-do list the rest of the weekend!
What's the best scone you've ever had?
If you're looking for more scone recipes, check out my Coffee Cinnamon Scones and my Eat Your Vegetables Savory Scones. I'm also really excited to try these Candied Ginger Pecan Scones from One Sarcastic Baker!
Grapefruit Scones
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ruby red grapefruit, zested and segmented
- 6 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 6 Tbsp unsalted buter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 2 Tbsp honey
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (I use 1%)
- 2 Tbsp whole milk, plus more for brushing scones
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
- Combine the grapefruit zest in a small bowl with sugar. Rub it together with the back of a spoon to blend well. Reserve 2 Tbsp sugar/grapefruit mixture. Mix the rest into the flour mixture.
- Add butter to flour mixture and using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut butter into mixture, until it resembles coarse meal.
- Add honey, yogurt, grapefruit segments (see notes if you need help segmenting grapefruit), and milk to the mixture. Using a fork, toss the mixture together just until all the ingredients are moistened.
- Place scone dough on a lightly-floured surface and form a circle about ¾" thick. Slice dough into 8 triangles and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Brush scones with milk and sprinkle with reserved sugar/grapefruit zest mixture.
- Bake for about 16 minutes, until scones are turning golden on top. Let cool on the pan for about 10 minutes before serving
Notes
- For advice on segmenting grapefruit, check out this tutorial
- Recipe adapted from Joy the Baker
Lauren @SassyMolassy says
A. I have to agree with all your tea suggestions. Love those. B. I totally starred this recipe from Joy when she published it. The flavors sound really unique but delish!
Erica says
The scones look just perfect. I used to dislike grapefruit, but now I loveee it. I get excited every time they're on sale. Joy really does have so many fantastic recipes. Not a tea girl. Enjoy your weekend
Michelle says
Are you ladies heading to Spoonful of Ginger? I'll be there on Monday night!
Joanne says
Over the past few years I've really fallen for grapefruit. Hard. And these scones look like the perfect tribute to my newfound love! (And also quite the perfect thing to wake up to.) Love!
Marie says
I never would've thought to put grapefruit in a scone! looks perfect for the summer!
Abbie says
Just bought a bag of pink grapefruit yesterday -- love this idea.
I'm having a cup of Lipton cranberry pomegranate green tea right now -- it's my new favorite.
Lexi says
Oh wow, these sound great! I like grapefruit, but never think to use it for anything! I'll have to try these.
I am a huge tea drinker! I recently moved, and I just found an unpacked box of tea that was hidden behind something! One of my favorite is Lady Earl Grey and I also love white strawberry tea. There is a company called Dragonwater Tea that has some really nice ones! I found them at a food show in DC last year and you can order them from their website!
Megan says
These look fabulous! I just made a grapefruit yogurt cake the other day (it's still sitting on my counter waiting to be finished), so we must have been on the same wavelength. I love grapefruit too!
Reeni says
I never baked with grapefruit before! But I NEED to! These are scrumptious! And OMG yes I am a tea drinker - I'm off to buy some of that cinnamon spice tea - sounds soooo good!
Bee says
Hey I came across your blog in an alumni email from Emerson College... not sure which one of you is the alum (a cursory look over your bios didn't mention it... unless I didn't look too hard!) but I spent most of last night going through your posts and book-marking recipes to try. They all look absolutely amazing and I can't wait to get cracking. I'm a new recipe blogger myself, albeit with a crappy camera and limited budget, and have been having a lot of fun adding blogs to my RSS feed. You guys are the newest addition! 🙂
Sharon (umommy) says
I am a grapefruit fanatic too. This with a grapefruit mimosa sounds divine!
Sara says
i have been on the BIGGEST scone kick recently. these look amazing.
Holly says
Yummmm! I love scones! Never thought to use grapefruit in them!! Amazing!
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
Wow those look so good!!! I've never thought of a grapefruit scone! How delicious 🙂
Maris (In Good Taste) says
These must have an amazing taste. I would not of thought to put grapefruit in a a scone but they look incredible and are definitely on my to do list.
vanillasugarblog says
i saw those! and forgot! oh i must make these. i adore juicy fruits in my scones. they came out perfect.
Brittany says
I imagine these would be really flavourful and lovely! What a unique way to serve scones. Haha, it's funny you love grapefruit so much; not many of us do
emily says
I'm totally not a grapefruit fan, but I love scones. Grapefruit + scones might make it go down a bit easier. 🙂
emily @ the happy home says
yum! i love the flavor of grapefruit-- so bright and cheery. i love them with sugar on top, and then bruleed. it's the perfect excuse to get a torch.
5 Star Foodie says
The scones sound just delightful with the grapefruit flavor!
Jenn's Food Journey says
Those scones look great! I have never had grapefruit scones before...and I've eaten a lot of scones, let me tell you 🙂
unibet says
You're recipe looks amazing. I want to make these. You make it sound so easy. I've never seen scones with grapefruit before, great idea.
Quisha says
Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride?!!! Yeahhhhh buddy! I'm on it. Celestial is definitely my favorite brand. I love the Sleepy Time tea, for anytime of the day though. It's light yet flavorful and caffeine free.
Soma says
The fresh citrus flavor in the scones sounds SO delicious! what an idea.
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says
I've never baked with grapefruit before, but it seems like it would be citrusy and delicious without being too tart (as lemon can be!).
Kimberly says
I've never made scones, but these seem like the perfect ones to start with. Thanks for passing along this recipe, and I'll be checking out Joy the Baker too.
Nicole says
I am recently obsessed with scones and I love the pretty pink flesh of grapefruit in these! So pretty. I am extremely jealous you met Chef Ming! I love watching him on PBS and his hair is definitely impressive, ha.
Katie says
Yummy! A very springy scone.
jamie says
i just made these but i used 1c all p flour and 1/2c 12 grain flour and they are really good...not really sweet nor a really strong grapefruit flavour. just a citrusy taste. they were moist and BIG! next time i will cut them into 12 because they puff up quite a bit.. i baked mine for the full 17 min... i will make again..... maybe tomorrow.. 🙂
Molly says
What oven temp should these be baked at? I'm going with 350, I'll let you know how it goes.
Sues says
It's 400 degrees! You'll just have to bake them longer at 350 degrees... Let me know how they came out!
Eleanor says
I just made these and they are delicious, but note that if you're using a large grapefruit you may need to add more flour--my dough was too wet using the amounts in the recipe. (I also wonder if perhaps more flour might be necessary anyway...the ratio of butter to flour seemed high to me compared to my other scone recipes). But: well worth it! Delish.
The Kitchen Kook says
I loved these scones! So simple and so fun to make 🙂 I unfortunately don't really care for grapefruit, but I LOVE peaches so I just used them, and out came these soft, tender scones that were tasted so close to peach cobbler! So good.
P.S. I still have some of that Sugar Cookie tea from Christmas. It's so festive and fun!